What does 1 Peter 3:3 mean?

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Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 1 Peter 3:3

Explanation

1 Peter 3:3 advises women in the early Christian community to focus on their inner character and spiritual strength rather than on external adornments. The apostle Peter encourages women not to let their beauty be defined by elaborate hairstyles, the wearing of gold jewelry, or the choice of clothing, but rather to be characterized by what is inner and lasting. This verse suggests that a woman’s worth and attractiveness should emanate from her godliness and the virtues of her heart, rather than from physical decoration or material possessions.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the First Epistle of Peter, traditionally believed to have been written by the Apostle Peter in the late 1st century AD. The epistle is addressed to various churches in Asia Minor, which was a Roman province rich with diverse cultural influences. In this patriarchal society, women’s value was often assessed based on their external beauty and adornments. This instruction from Peter sought to counteract such societal norms and to align the values of Christian women with the principles of the new faith they were embracing.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse posits that true beauty is found in godly character and not external appearances. This is consistent with the broad Christian doctrine of inner transformation over outward conformity. Many Christian theologians have interpreted this advice to extend beyond the context of women’s adornment to all believers, suggesting that what is most important to God is the inner condition of one’s heart rather than one’s physical appearance or material wealth.

Practical Applications

In contemporary application, this verse encourages believers to focus on the development of personal virtues such as kindness, humility, and compassion instead of being preoccupied with materialism or external image. It calls for a rejection of vanity and the pursuit of spiritual depth. For modern Christians, this can translate into lifestyle choices that prioritize character development over fashion trends or social status.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 2:9 – “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”
Proverbs 31:30 – “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Matthew 6:19-21 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse are:

“Adorning” (Greek: kosmos), often referring to arrangement or decoration, implying an ordered universe, and by extension, decoration or adorning of the body.
“Outward” (Greek: exōthen), meaning external or from the outside.
“Plaiting” (Greek: emploke), which refers to braiding or intertwining, particularly of hair.
“Apparel” (Greek: himation), meaning garment or clothing.

These terms collectively paint a picture of external appearance, emphasizing the visible aspects of adornment that the verse is encouraging women to look beyond.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman societies, personal appearance and adornment were crucial indicators of status and wealth. In contrast, many religious traditions emphasize the importance of inner virtues over outward appearances. For example, Buddhist teachings advocate for a focus on inner peace and enlightenment over material possessions, and Hinduism often values the pursuit of spiritual growth over worldly attachments.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, human attraction to beauty and ornamentation can be viewed through evolutionary biology as a means of signaling health or status. However, the verse’s emphasis on inner virtues can be appreciated in light of psychological studies that associate lasting personal satisfaction and social harmony with character strengths and virtues, rather than with the fleeting satisfaction derived from external appearances or material gains.

Commentaries

Various Biblical commentators have offered interpretations of this verse. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the adorning Peter speaks of is not the putting on of clothes, which is necessary, but of the elaborate and costly array of them. John Calvin interpreted the verse as an instruction for women to exhibit a modesty that does not seek to attract attention or admiration. More recent scholars agree that Peter is advocating for a focus on the internal condition of a believer’s heart. The consensus among many commentaries is that the verse uses women’s adornment as a metaphor for a broader Christian teaching about the insignificance of external appearances in comparison to inner piety and the virtues of a faithful life.